Abstract
Objective: We prospectively compared the techniques of skip laminectomy and laminoplasty for the treatment of cervical spondolytic myelopathy in terms extent of decompression achieved, axial pain, postoperative range of cervical motion, patient and surgical outcomes.
Methods and results: We studied fifty consecutive patients operated on for cervical spondolytic myelopathy and spinal cord compression as demonstrated on MRI between the levels C3–4 to C6–7. Each patient had a minimum follow-up of two years (2.2 – 4.3 years). Twenty-five patients underwent skip laminectomy and twenty-five patients underwent laminoplasty. Decompression was assessed by pre- and post-operative MRI. Cervical range of motion was assessed by pre- and postoperative flexion and extension radiographs. Patient outcomes were assessed by evaluation of pre-and postoperative neurology and SF12 scores for mental health, physical health and axial pain.
Less blood loss and operative times were found with skip laminectomy. Similar degrees of decompression with both techniques. Significantly improved axial pain scores with skip laminectomy. Significantly improved preservation of range of movement with skip laminectomy.
Conclusion: Skip laminectomy is an effective procedure for reducing the incidence of postoperative morbidities, such as persisting axial pain, and restriction of neck motion often seen after laminoplasty, and provides adequate decompression of the spinal cord as demonstrated on MRI for a minimum follow-up of two years.
Correspondence should be addressed to BASS/BCSS c/o BOA, at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE, England.
